will.i.am has confirmed he’ll return to this year’s ‘The Voice’.
The Black Eyed Peas singer has previously remained tight-lipped on his future on the show following its switch from BBC to rival ITV but he has now revealed he will be reclaiming his red chair when the programme returns for another series towards the end of 2016.
Referencing the UK’s recent decision to pull out of the European Union, the 41-year-old star said: "I’m delighted to be continuing ‘The Voice UK’ on ITV and being a voice of direction and guidance for the usual suspects …I know ‘The Voice’ switched to ITV, but I’m not going to Brexit ‘The Voice UK’. I’m happy to make ITV my home now. I love the UK."
The ‘Boys & Girls’ hitmaker – who has been a coach on the show since its UK debut in 2012 – will also serve as a panellist on spin-off ‘The Voice Kids’ when it starts in 2017.
Siobhan Green, head of entertainment at ITV, said: "We are thrilled to bits that will.i.am’s signed up to ITV for ‘The Voice UK’ and ‘The Voice Kids’. He’s such an important part of the DNA of the show and that was one of the many reasons we had to have him in his chair.
"will’s eye for talent, and unique and creative flair for mentoring means we can’t wait to see what happens next."
The future of Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith and Boy George, who made up the panel on the last series, is not yet clear but it’s believed bosses are hoping to bag a new line-up.
Meanwhile, will.i.am isn’t the only familiar face moving with the show when it switches channels as host Emma Willis – who last year fronted the programme with Marvin Humes – has also been pulled back in for another series.
will.i.am confirms The Voice return
